A hierarchical genetic algorithm for multi-layer channel routing

In this paper, the authors presented an evolutionary approach to one of the most demanding phase in physical design that is channel routing. A genetic algorithm for multi-layer channel routing that employs advanced genetic operators is introduced. A multi-layer approach is used to evaluate the use of various layering schemes, and also to reduce the number of constraints involved. When multi-terminal nets or multi-nets are involved, a division parameter is introduced to determine if the best results are generated by treating the multi-net as a whole, or broken down into as small as two-terminal nets. A hierarchical genetic algorithm is used to generate a set of near-optimal solutions and a compaction algorithm is used to further improve the output. The algorithm provided solutions within at most one track from the optimal for the problem sets with acyclic vertical constraints.